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By Brad Gray

Fell Swoop is the latest sprinter to lock in a spot for The Everest, the $10 million sprint to be held in October at Royal Randwick, with slot holder Inglis confirming they’ve come to an agreement with Matt Dale and the respective owners.

“It’s very exciting to be able to lock away a slot in the first year of The Everest,” Dale said.

“In the autumn we have the TJ Smith to build up to and now to have The Everest on the scene, I’m sure it’ll take on a life of its own.

“I suppose The Everest is the TJ and then some when you look at it. The same track and conditions but for more prize money. It’s very exciting just to be involved. It’s at a track and under conditions that Fell Swoop has shown a real liking for in the past and it’s great to have locked away a slot in conjunction with Inglis.”

“He has been so prominent in weight for age Group Ones over 1200m over the last couple of years. He has been a flag bearer for the stable and it’s exciting to be able to compete at that level.”

The five-year-old, who has placed in five Group Ones, spelled in Queensland before arriving at equine centre Aquagait on Monday to kick off his pre-training on the water walker and treadmill.

“He’ll come down to my stables late next week,” said Dale.

“We have kept a very close eye on him through his spell and all the vet reports are all very positive about his return to racing. It was a very minor ligament issue that he had and it was always going to be a very optimistic outlook after a four week break. He was able to have a bit longer than that so everything is fine on that front.

“Off a nice break in Queensland and now a fully mature horse, we’d like to think he comes back up and compete every bit as good as he has previously and hopefully better.”

Fell Swoop arrived at Aquagait on Monday to commence pre-training. He is loving his time on the Water Walker!
Pics: @ashbrennanphoto pic.twitter.com/aL0npTDexg

— Aquagait (@Aquagait) June 22, 2017

Dale is yet to confirm a first-up assignment for Fell Swoop but it will be in September before tackling The Everest third-up. The Canberra-based trainer also welcomes any globetrotting challengers that choose to tackle The Everest.

“It’d be great to see international sprinters come over and meet Australian sprinters on our turf,” Dale said.

“It’s great theatre. In a race like that you are going to meet the best sprinters and the lure of massive prizemoney is the best lure of all. It’d be outstanding to have an international or two come across for it.”

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